Changes Proposed For British Religious Hatred Bill

Next week, Great Britain's controversial Racial and Religious Hatred bill will face committee hearings in the House of Lords. (See prior postings 1, 2, 3). BBC News reported today that opponents of the bill have now proposed compromise language to insure that commentators and comedians can still ridicule and criticize religion. The proposed amendments would provide that no one could be convicted under the law unless it is proved they intended to stir up hatred; that only threatening words would be banned by the bill, not those which are only abusive or insulting ; and that the law would not restrict discussion, criticism of expressions of antipathy, dislike, ridicule, insult or abuse of particular religions or beliefs. Liberal Democrat peer Lord Lester said: "The purpose of these amendments is to take the rot out of a rotten bill."